Luma apiculata (Chilean Myrtle)

Michael's Opinion

A tree planted for its stunning cinnamon-coloured bark, but can be only grown by those in the most moderate of temperate climates, such as my home county, Cornwall, England.

Botanical Information

FamilyMyrtaceae
GenusLuma
Speciesapiculata
SynonymsMyrtus apiculata
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginIntroduced into cultivation through Veitch's Nursery near Exeter, Devon, England who enlisted the plant collector William Lobb (1809-1864) on one of his expeditions to Chile. Native to Chile, (Coquimbo, and Valdivia).
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Edible fruit.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b - 9a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-9 - (-4)
Temperature (°F)15 - 25
Height15 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJuly, August

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeSmooth, cinnamon-coloured bark and an open airy crown topped by small evergreen leaves.
PropagationBy semi-hardwood cuttings.
CultivationAlthough tolerant of full sun it prefers a protected location out of the wind with some moisture and shade. Trees that grow in partial shade tend to have a richer coloured bark than those in full sun. Plant in groups for the full effect of the rich coloured bark.
PestsUsually problem free.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth, cinnamon-coloured bark, peeling in patches to reveal a white subsurface.
Flower DescriptionFlowers profusely.
Fruit DescriptionSmall, edible black-coloured fruit.
Texture DescriptionA fine textured tree.

Photographs